Church Membership
Are you ready to join a church?
First of all, let's make a few things clear:
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
42 ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You see, God knows we need people. We need accountability, we need support, we need encouragement; and for these reasons, He has built His church. Jesus left His church with a three-part mission:
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Another part of our job as church members is to take part in the ministry of singing: This is why it is important that we don't go to a church service simply to be entertained or ministered to, for we each have a responsibility to learn how to minister to others.
Colossians 3:15-17
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Finally, we understand that churches are full of imperfect people. Sometimes we are hypocrites. Some might not be as kind and loving as you would like them to be. At Iola Baptist Temple, we understand that we might not be the right congregation for everyone; but we purpose to do our best to do the following:
If you don't have a good church family that is united for this same purpose, I want to encourage you to visit us to determine if this is the place for you.
- A "church" isn't a place; it is a group of believers who are baptized and joined together for the cause of Christ.
41 Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added [unto them] about three thousand souls.
42 ¶ And they continued stedfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers.
43 And fear came upon every soul: and many wonders and signs were done by the apostles.
44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;
45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all [men], as every man had need.
46 And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart,
47 Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.
- You don't have to join a church in order to be saved.
- You CAN read the Bible, pray, etc. without meeting together with others.
- However, the Bible DOES command that we assemble together.
24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works:
25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some [is]; but exhorting [one another]: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
You see, God knows we need people. We need accountability, we need support, we need encouragement; and for these reasons, He has built His church. Jesus left His church with a three-part mission:
- Preach the Gospel of salvation to the world.
- Baptize those who get saved.
- Teach them to observe the Lord's commandments (which includes being part of this mission that Jesus left with us).
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, [even] unto the end of the world. Amen.
Another part of our job as church members is to take part in the ministry of singing: This is why it is important that we don't go to a church service simply to be entertained or ministered to, for we each have a responsibility to learn how to minister to others.
Colossians 3:15-17
15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.
16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
17 And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, [do] all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.
Finally, we understand that churches are full of imperfect people. Sometimes we are hypocrites. Some might not be as kind and loving as you would like them to be. At Iola Baptist Temple, we understand that we might not be the right congregation for everyone; but we purpose to do our best to do the following:
- We preach the gospel to the community, baptize believers, and teach people what the Bible says (not our opinions).
- We sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs that glorify the Lord and admonish one another.
- We provide training and opportunities for our members to grow and learn how to minister to others.
If you don't have a good church family that is united for this same purpose, I want to encourage you to visit us to determine if this is the place for you.